Important Notes on Analysis and Keylock When Playing Back Stem Files in TRAKTOR

TRAKTOR 2.9.0 introduces the Stem Deck for playback of files written in the Stem format (.stem.mp4). A Stem file consists of (up to) 5 separate tracks:

A master stereo track, which is the mastered mix of all Stems.

1 to 4 Stems, each of them with separate volume, filter and FX control.

Please consider the important notes provided in the sections below before loading or playing back a Stem file on a TRAKTOR Stem Deck:

Stem File Analysis

It is not possible to play back a Stem file before analyzing. If you attempt to load a previously unanalyzed Stem file, the Deck will display the following message: Stem Track not analyzed. Please analyze the Stem Track before loading it into a Deck!We recommend to analyze all your Stem files at once before beginning your regular workflow in TRAKTOR. Please note that analyzing a Stem file takes longer time than analyzing a regular audio file since it is necessary to analyze all separate Stems within the file. You can highlight all your Stem files in TRAKTOR's Browser, right-click on any part of the highlighted area and select Analyze (Async) from the context menu.

Note: Stem files are recognized in the Browser by their corresponding Stem icon on the left-most column of the Playlist.

Use of Keylock

If you use the Keylock function to preserve or alter the original pitch of the track, note that enabling Keylock while the Stem track is already playing will cause a momentary CPU load which will result in an audible crackling or pop. Make sure to activate Keylock before starting the playback of a Stem file (in other words: first activate Keylock, then press Play on the Deck). Keylock can be enabled simply by clicking the circle next to the knob so that it is lit in blue.

Note: You may leave Keylock active if you constantly rely on this function. Next time you restart TRAKTOR, Keylock will be active and you will be able to begin playback without any issues.